Loose powder dispenser

ABSTRACT

A loose powder dispenser having a cylindrical openended chamber for containing powder to be dispensed with the chamber being capped by an apertured cover which supports a powder puff for applying the powder material. A knurled button integral with the chamber extends through the housing of the dispenser and is slidable with respect thereto for exposing the powder puff for dispensing the powder. A cap slides over a recessed portion of the housing and is secured thereto by a force fit and inhibits movement of the knurled button when powder is not being dispensed.

ilnited States Patent n 1 Gleicher 451 Apr. 24, i973 1 1 LOOSE POWDER DISPENSER [75] inventor: Joseph Gleicher, Bayville, NY.

[73] Assignee: Avon Products, 1nc., New York,

22 Filed: Apr. 19,1971

211 App1.No.: 135,234

[52] US. Cl. ..l32/83 B, 401/200 [5 l Int. Cl. ..A45d 33/02 [58] Field of Search 132/82 R, 82 A, 82 B,

132/82 G, 82 H, 82 J, 83 R, 83 A, 83 B, 83 D, 83 E, 83 F, 83 G, 79 R; 15/184; 206/56 C,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,626,992 5/1927 Willk ..132/83 D X 2,681,462 6/1954 Turues ..l32/184 X MacDougall.. ..401/200 Lederfeind 132/82 R 2,637,868 5/1953 Hamilton 15/184 X 1,077,093 10/ 1 913 Morse 1,956,991 5/1934 Lowen 132/82 H Primary Examiner-Louis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner.l. N. Eskovitz Att0meyPennie, Edmonds, Morton, Taylor and Adams and John L. Sigalos 5 7] ABSTRACT A loose powder dispenser having a cylindrical openended chamber for containing powder to be dispensed with the chamber being capped by an apertured cover which supports a powder puff for applying the powder material. A knurled button integral with the chamber extends through the housing of the dispenser and is slidable with respect thereto for exposing the powder pufi for dispensing the powder. A cap slides over a recessed portion of the housing and is secured thereto by a force tit and inhibits movement of the knurled button when powder is not being dispensed.

6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented April 24, 1973 3,729,011

2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR JOSEPH GLEICHER ATTORNEYS Patented April 24, 1973 2 Shets-S heet l2 ill: I-Ilbl l i 4 Ill/i I) II FIG. 6.

INVENTOR JOSEPH GLEICHER ATTORNEYS LOOSE POWDER DISPENSER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a powder dispenser having a simplified structure for applying a loose powder.

In the past, powder dispensers adapted for applying face powder or like products have not been entirely satisfactory because such devices usually required either a relatively large amount of space for storage in such compact places as a womans purse or, if of a more compact design, usually require a relatively large amount of physical exertion to bring the puff to a position suitable for application of the powder contained therein. More importantly, prior art powder dispensers, particularly the type having a retractable powder puff, have been of a relatively complex design thus increasing the difficulty of manufacturing and assembling the respective parts rapidly for economical assembly line production. Thus, for example, some prior art devices required the spiral movement of the powder containing chamber with respect to the dispenser housing in order to elevate the powder puff material so that the powder could be applied. Such a spiral movement is not only difficult for the user to accomplish but also requires precise manufacturing and assembly SHORT STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, this invention relates to a powder dispenser having an open-ended powder containing chamber with an integral knurled button on one side thereof. A refill cap having a plurality of small holes therethrough is secured to the open end of the powder chamber and supports a powder puff on the side opposite the powder chamber. The refill cap with the powder puff and the chamber fits slidably in a cylindrical housing with the knurled button portion of the chamber extending through a slot in the housing.

Linear movement of the button with respect to the housing effects movement of the chamber and powder puff with respect to the housing. The housing has a recessed neck portion over which a dispenser cap is forceably fit. The cap covers the powder puff and at the same time prevents movement of the knurled button thereby securing the powder chamber in position. To economize on space, a mirror is secured in the recessed crown ofthe cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims and accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the powder dispenser of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a prospective view of the powder dispenser of this invention with the dispenser cap removed and the powder puff partially withdrawn from the housing.

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the powder dispenser of this invention having a partial cutaway showing the interior walls of the dispenser.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the powder dispenser invention.

FIG. 6 is a section view of the powder dispenser taken along the lines 66 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The powder dispenser of this invention is shown in FIG. 1 as having a generally compact, cylindrical shape with a housing 11 having a slot 13 through which outwardly extends a button 15 having a knurled portion 17. A dispenser cap 19 is slidably positioned over a recessed neck portion of the housing 11 in a force fit to enclose the powder and the powder puff contained therein. Dispenser cap 19 has a recessed top portion into which is secured a mirror 21 for aiding in applying the powder being dispensed. Mirror 21 may be secured to the cap 19 by any suitable means, such as, for example, by an adhesive compound. Since the mirror is recessed in the cover, the chances of its being nicked or scratched are reduced. To insure that the cover fits tightly over the housing 11 even after extended use, a reinforcing band 23 is secured about the outer periphery of the cover proximate the opening therein which band prevents expansion of the walls of the cover with use. As an alternate embodiment, the band 23 may be formed integral with the cover or cap 19. The band 23, cover l9 and housing 11 may be of any suitablematerial having the characteristics of being strong, durable and lightweight, such as, for example, a plastic material.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the dispenser of FIG. I with the dispenser cap 19 removed and the knurled button 15 partially pushed upward in the slot 13. Housing 11 is shown having a recessed neck portion 25 over which cap 19 fits. A powder puff 27, which is a padded material often consisting of down, for applying cosmetic powder is shown positioned inside the neck portion 25 of housing 11 and is securely attached to a powder chamber refill cap 29 by any suitable means, such as, for example, an adhesive compound. As shown in the figure, the knurled button 15 moves the powder puff 27 and cap refill 29 with respect to housing 11 by means of a simple linear movement. It can also be readily understood that cap 19 when placed over the neck portion 25 of the housing prevents movement of the puff 27 because it locks button 15 against the bottom 31 ofthe slot 13.

Refer now to FIG. 5 which shows a cross-sectional view of the powder dispenser. A cylindrical cup-shaped powder chamber 33 is shown positioned inside of housing 11. Knurled button 15 is shown integral with chamber 33 with the top or open end of the chamber being threaded for receiving cap 29. Cap 29 has a plurality of holes 35 therethrough for permitting the flow of the powder 37 in the chamber 33 through the cap to an internal area 39 of powder puff 27. In the preferred embodiment there are four holes in the cap 29. The cap has an annular side portion 41 for maintaining the form of powder puff 27 even after repeated use over a period of time. Cover 19 is shown positioned over the neck portion 25 of the housing 11 with the band 23 maintaining the sides of the cover snugly against the neck in a force fit. Mirror 21 is shown positioned in the recessed portion of the crown of cap 19. When housing cap 19 is removed, button may be pushed upward in slot 13 thereby exposing powder puff 27 for applying the powder 37. As button 15 is pushed upward, chamber 33 containing powder 37 is raised upward in the housing 11 along with cap 29 and powder puff 27 in a simple linear movement. In order to fill the chamber 33, cap 29 is unscrewed from the chamber, and powder is then poured into the open end of the chamber. When the chamber is filled, cap 29 is screwed back on the chamber and the dispenser is ready for use.

FIG. 4 illustrates how the movement of the powder puff and powder chamber 33 with respect to the dispenser is accomplished. Button 15 extending through slot 13 in the housing 11 is pushed upward thereby exposing the powder puff 27 so that the powder contained therein may be applied to a persons skin or to any other surface desired. The knurled portion of the button provides a good gripping surface for the operators thumb or fingers. The linear upward movement of the button with respect to the housing 11 is easily accomplished relative to the more complex spiral movements required by many present day dispensers. In the lower corner of the figure is a cutaway view of the dispenser showing chamber 33 positioned slidably in the housing 11 with the chamber 33 containing powder 37 to be dispensed. There is a space between the chamber 33 and the housing 11 for the passage of air so that a vacuum is not formed between the base of the chamber 33 and the housing when knurled button 15 is pushed upward. This may be more fully understood by reference to FIG. 3 which shows a cross-sectional view of the dispenser taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows chamber 33 having a cylindrical shape positioned slidably inside of housing 11. Housing 11 has a plurality of ribs 41 positioned about its interior wall and extending longitudinally along the length of the housing. These ribs are tapered near the top of the housing so that chamber 33 may be easily positioned inside the housing. It should be understood that the ribs might be secured to the sides of the chamber 33 rather than to the housing 11 and the same function will be accomplished; namely, of permitting air to flow between the chamber 33 and the housing 11 so that a vacuum is not created at the base of the housing when the chamber is pushed upward by means of button 15.

Refer now to FIG. 6 which shows a section view of the refill cap 29 taken along the lines 66 of FIG. 5. Four holes 35 having a relatively small diameter are shown positioned proximate the center of the cap. As aforementioned, the holes permit communication of the powder being dispensed between the chamber 33 and the powder puff 27. The cap 29 has a side portion 41 extending circumferentially about the outer periphery of the cap for maintaining the form of the powder puff. The cap is secured to the chamber 33 by screwing the cap into the internally threaded portion of the chamber 33. It should be understood that any other suitable technique for releasably securing the cap to the chamber 33 may be utilized. The dispenser cover or cap 19 having a reinforcing band 23 about its external periphery 15 shown positioned over the housing 11.

Knurled button 15 integral with chamber 33 is shown extending through slot 13 in the housing 11.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that there may be other embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A powder dispenser comprising an open-ended housing having a slot formed therein and having a recessed neck portion proximate the open end thereof, an open-ended chamber slidably mounted in said housing having a button portion extending through said slot in said housing, a refill cap threadably mounted on said open end of said chamber, said cap having a plurality of holes therethrough and an annular side portion extending substantially perpendicular to the top surface of said cap for maintaining the form of a powder puff, a powder puff mounted on said cap, said powder puff, cap and chamber being slidably movable with respect to said housing by moving saidbutton in said slot, and a dispenser cap slidably mounted over said recessed neck portion of said body.

2. The powder dispenser of claim 1 wherein said housing has a cylindrical shape and further comprises a means for permitting air flow between said housingand said chamber.

3. The dispenser of claim 2 wherein said button portion of said chamber has a knurled surface and wherein said button is proximate said opened end of said chamber.

4. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein said dispenser cap comprises a recessed top portion, and a mirror fixedly mounted in said recessed portion.

5. The powder dispenser of claim 4 wherein said dispenser cap has a reinforcement band secured about its external periphery proximate the opened end thereof for maintaining the shape of said cover after prolonged use.

6. The powder dispenser of claim 3 wherein said means for permitting air flow between said housing and said chamber comprises a plurality of longitudinally disposed ribs about the interior wall of said housing.

i I. i 

1. A powder dispenser comprising an open-ended housing having a slot formed therein and having a recessed neck portion proximate the open end thereof, an open-ended chamber slidably mounted in said housing having a button portion extending through said slot in said housing, a refill cap threadably mounted on said open end of said chamber, said cap having a plurality of holes therethrough and an annular side portion extending substantially perpendicular to the top surface of said cap for maintaining the form of a powder puff, a powder puff mounted on said cap, said powder puff, cap and chamber being slidably movable with respect to saiD housing by moving said button in said slot, and a dispenser cap slidably mounted over said recessed neck portion of said body.
 2. The powder dispenser of claim 1 wherein said housing has a cylindrical shape and further comprises a means for permitting air flow between said housing and said chamber.
 3. The dispenser of claim 2 wherein said button portion of said chamber has a knurled surface and wherein said button is proximate said opened end of said chamber.
 4. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein said dispenser cap comprises a recessed top portion, and a mirror fixedly mounted in said recessed portion.
 5. The powder dispenser of claim 4 wherein said dispenser cap has a reinforcement band secured about its external periphery proximate the opened end thereof for maintaining the shape of said cover after prolonged use.
 6. The powder dispenser of claim 3 wherein said means for permitting air flow between said housing and said chamber comprises a plurality of longitudinally disposed ribs about the interior wall of said housing. 